I’m fortunate enough to have friends in high places that jumped on board immediately with me, helping with the competitive edge. But I’m still an outsider in this city.
Landing the high-end line, Diosa, will change all that. The owner of Diosa is the fashion designer of the decade. Working with them would ensure we’re the crème de la crème of boutique advertising.
Every model, superstar, and athlete worth their salt is coveting one of Diosa’s signature limited edition pieces, but the Diosa label doesn’t just include couture fashion. Middle-class America is running to Macy’s for their sister company’s everyday wear under the Icon line and to every mall for their AlteredX fitness apparel. They’re dominating the various markets.
When we represent them as their sole advertising team across all labels, it will be game, set, match for us with our competition. Getting this pitch ensures it because I know we have the talent to land the account if I can only get in front of them.
“You name the day and time, and my team will be there to pitch.”
“No need. This is a formality, Charles. We’ve seen what you can do. Drew has been raving about you for months.”
I’m going to owe Drew a year’s worth of scotch for his endorsement. It undoubtedly made the difference. He’s well-connected and on a first-name basis with Diosa’s owner, Sergio De Rosa.
“We just need to finalize the contract.”
At her words, a smile I didn’t realize I was capable of rendering breaks across my face.
“Brilliant,” I croon. “Tomorrow? First thing in the morning?”
I hear shuffling on the other end as Kennedy likely shifts through her planner. Diosa is old school, relying on word of mouth, runways, and fashion magazines. They are still working on their digital marketing plan as the previous two have failed. As their head of marketing, it’s one thing I’m going to stress to prioritize as part of our reinvigorations to their company.
“That’s perfect. Come by the office then.”
I nod, although she can’t see me. “I’ll be there.”
“Thanks, Charles.”
The line goes quiet, and I know Kennedy has already disconnected the call. It’s ten o’clock, well past business hours, but the successful never sleep in this city.
Kennedy Ryker hasn’t climbed to the most sought-after and highest-paid assistant in fashion by working nine to five. She’s a powerhouse and Sergio’s right-hand woman.
I pace the floor of the small room, not sure what to do with this renewed energy. That one phone call has changed the game. Cavendish Corporation is already a lucrative company in my home country, but this account makes this division the premier advertising agency in the US.
I’m practically bouncing off the walls, and I need to compose myself. One does not get to my level without the ability to remain grounded. We’ll have our work cut out for us. Landing the account is one thing. Executing a flawless campaign is another entirely.
I’ll need to hire additional help immediately.
Pulling up my contacts, I hit favorites and find my assistant, Shelby. Her husband, Brad, will likely want to wring my neck for calling at this hour, but it can’t be helped. She’s worked just as hard as I have trying to land this deal. I know her worth, and I won’t let one minute more go without telling her the news.
“You rang?” she drawls, voice full of sleep and something similar to annoyance.
“Shelby. Darling,” I murmur, attempting to ease her ire with charm.
“Since when do you attempt flattery? Better yet . . . why are you even attempting? What do you want at,” there’s a beat, and then she continues, “after ten?” Her voice pitches in question.
“I’m so very sorry, love, but it couldn’t be helped. I know you’d have my balls if I didn’t call you, no matter what time it was. We landed Diosa.”
“What?” she yelps, and I hear Brad in the background asking if everything is all right. “Fine, babe. Go back to bed,” she says to him. “Why did you wait so long to call me?”
“Kennedy just called me,” I explain. “I finalize the contract tomorrow morning.”
“Charlie, this is amazing,” she shrieks.
I cringe at the nickname. She is the only person other than my mother who I’ve ever allowed to get away with calling me Charlie. After the incident that shall not be discussed, the name is tainted.
“You know I despise that name.”
“Consider it payment for calling me in the middle of the night.” I can practically see her rolling her eyes at me while she says it.
“It’s not the middle of the night, you old crone.”
She chuckles, knowing full well I’m teasing. I adore her. “And now, you’ll be bringing me coffee tomorrow at my apartment.”
“That’s not how this arrangement works, love. You’re my employee.” I pick at my fingers, waiting for her to insist that coffee is deserved for this intrusion on her off time.
We’ve done this dance many a time before.
“It’s how it works now. Unless, of course, you want to start the Diosa account without an assistant.”
It’s my turn to roll my eyes. Shelby Donaldson isn’t going anywhere. I pay her exceptionally well for her experience and intuition on how to run my office.
“Fine. I’ll bring your favorite black tar in the morning. Now, for the reason I called,” I say, getting us back on track. “We need to hire four more analysts. One for Diosa and three to manage Icon and AlteredX.”
She groans down the line. “We couldn’t have discussed this in the morning?”
“No,” I drawl. “I need you ready to make this happen first thing as you walk in while I’m gathering your coffee.”
“Fine. We need an account manager more than we need another analyst.” She sighs, and I know she’s right. We’re already stretched with the addition of two more restaurants owned by my friends and now clients, Drew and Bailey Lawson.
“All right, then. Make it happen.”
“The analyst starting Monday has an impressive résumé.” She blows out a breath. “She just graduated from Columbia with her MBA, but her internships and part-time work would be perfect for this account.”
“Internships? Part-time experience? That won’t cut it. This is Diosa we’re talking about. I need someone impressive. We need someone with experience.”
The line is silent, and I know that’s Shelby’s passive-aggressive way of showcasing that she doesn’t agree with my assessment but will allow me my opinion as the owner.
“Perhaps we can switch her department. Seems she would be better suited for the Diosa analyst position?” I offer to appease her.
“I’ll see what we’re working with on Monday.”
“No, tomorrow is already going to be wasted by not having the extra hands. I need her to start sooner. We’ll hold an all-staff meeting to discuss this account while you and I iron out the details. We’ve had too many struggles as of late not to do this right from the start.”
“Fine,” she snaps. “Again . . . all things we could’ve discussed in the morning.” She moans. “I’m tired. You owe me a scone now, too.”